No Bruins player had more attention heaped on him entering last week than Zdeno Chara.

With the first game against Montreal since the hit on Max Pacioretty on the docket, Chara knew he was going to face a maelstrom of media attention and possibly an undue test of physicality from at least one of the Bruins’ opponents. The captain also had to pull the Bruins from their 1-3-3 doldrums.

With 1-5-6 totals and a plus-5 rating in three games, Chara helped Boston earn two victories. And he earned the love of readers of TheBruinsBlog.net, who voted him as the Bruin of the Week:

Who should be the Bruin of the Week?

Zdeno Chara (70%, 63 Votes)

Tim Thomas (21%, 19 Votes)

Milan Lucic (7%, 6 Votes)

Tomas Kaberle (2%, 2 Votes)

Total Voters: 90

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Chara’s goal against New Jersey proved to be the game-winner in Boston’s first game back from a frustrating road trip. He then failed to score against the Habs, but showed the controversy swirling around him did nothing to reduce his ability to play the body. He notched three assists in the rout.

Chara has taken a lot of heat over the years from fans that want him to be a more vocal leader and dominant defenseman. On the second point, I don’t know how anyone could as the former Norris Trophy winner to be any better as a blueliner. And a second Norris might be on its way.

Chara is a bad ass. He is the heart and soul of this team as a captain should be. I have no idea how he behaves in the locker room but on the ice he leads by example. From laying a big hit to fire up the team to skating coast to coast when the transition game is stalling. He is far from perfect but there are few defenceman out there that bring to the table what Chara bringds.

I don’t understand the critics on Chara’s play, his size creates a problem where he has to walk a fine line with physicality or he would be in the penalty box the whole game. Questioning his leadership I understand because of the playoff losses, but to me his defensive zone play is 2nd to none.